It is the purpose of the sign regulations to enhance and protect the physical appearance and safety of the community, to protect property values and to promote the preservation of the City’s areas of natural, historic and scenic beauty.  It is further intended to reduce distractions and obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs projecting over public rights-of-way, provide for a reasonable opportunity for all sign users to display signs for identification without interference from other signage, to provide for fair and equitable treatment of all sign users, and to establish a reasonable period of time for the elimination of nonconforming signs.  The administration of this section shall be the duty of the Building Official.

1.   General Rules and Applicability.

   A.   No sign on private property shall be erected or changed in any manner without compliance with the regulations stated herein.  Routine maintenance shall not be subject to this section.

   B.   These regulations are intended to be exclusionary and any sign not specifically listed shall be prohibited.

   C.   These regulations are structured within the two general categories of temporary and permanent signs.  Temporary signs are governed by the provisions of Section 165.35(3)(H).  Permanent signs may be either off-premises or on-premises signs.  Off-premises signs are governed by the provisions of Section 165.35(4)(J).  All on-premises signs are governed by the regulations of the zone in which they are located.

   D.   In all zones, a maximum sign allowance is permitted for all permanent signs placed on a building.  Any quantity or type of building sign may be erected within this maximum allowance and according to the specific requirements of the zone in which the building is located.  The building sign allowance shall relate to the wall on which a sign is to be placed and shall be determined by calculating a percentage of the total square footage of the sign wall, as specified in the zone.  In the case of two or more uses or occupants in a single building, the total building signage on a wall for all the uses shall not exceed the maximum building sign allowance for that wall.  Free-standing signs, monument signs or any other signs not mounted on a building are not included in this maximum building sign allowance and are governed by the specific requirements of the zone.

   E.   Existing signage that is not in compliance with the sign regulations contained in this section prior to the adoption of this chapter will have one (1) year to become in compliance with the minimum standards hereinafter established for the zone in which the sign is located.

   F.   In any case in which the Code of Iowa is more restrictive than the regulations contained herein, the Code of Iowa shall be applied.

2.   Definitions.  The following definitions shall be applicable to the provisions of the sign regulations.  The definitions contained in Section 165.03 of this chapter shall apply to all terms not herein defined:

   A.   “Advertising sign” means a sign that displays the type or name of a product, good or service sold either on or off the premises on which the sign is located.

   B.   “Animated sign” means any sign or part of a sign that moves or has intermittent lighting.

   C.   “Awning sign” means a building sign placed on the surface of an awning.

   D.   “Balloon” means an inflatable bag filled with gas and displayed in such a way as to attract attention to the premises on which it is located.

   E.   “Banner” means a strip of flexible material such as cloth, paper or plastic securely fastened on all corners to a building or a structure and used to advertise a special event.

   F.   “Billboard” means an off-premises sign on which poster panels or bulletins are mounted.  Billboard signs are not free-standing signs or monument signs.

   G.   “Building sign” means any sign which is in any way attached to a building or to an appurtenance of a building.

   H.   “Canopy sign” means a building sign attached to or in any way incorporated with the face or underside of a canopy, marquee or any other similar building projection, and which does not extend beyond the projection by more than six (6) inches.

   I.   “Changeable copy sign” means a sign, such as a reader board, which has components which are easily changeable by physical and not electronic methods.

   J.   “Changing sign” – see “electronic sign.”

   K.   “Common sign” means a sign which serves two (2) or more uses.

   L.   “Construction sign” means a temporary sign identifying the architects, engineers, contractors and other individuals involved in the construction of a building and/or announcing the future use of the building.

   M.   “Development sign” means a sign designating the name of a residential or nonresidential development or of a subdivision.

   N.   “Directional sign” means a sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic and containing no advertising message.

   O.   “Directory sign” means a sign displaying the name of a building, building complex and/or the occupants.

   P.   “Drive-through restaurant menu sign” means a sign displaying a menu or similar advertising for the purpose of allowing patrons of a restaurant to order food at a drive-through facility.

   Q.   "Electronic sign" means a sign on which a changing message is displayed through the use of an electronically controlled and illuminated medium.  An electronic sign is not considered to be an animated sign.

   R.   “Erect” means to build, construct, attach, hang, suspend or affix a sign which also includes the painting of wall signs.

   S.   “Facia sign” means a single-faced building sign which is parallel to or at an angle of not more than 45 degrees from the wall of the building on which it is mounted.  Such signs do not extend more than one (1) foot out from vertical walls or more than one (1) foot out at the sign’s closest point from non-vertical walls.

   T.   “Facing or surface sign” means the surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.

   U.   “Filling station signs” means signage which generally appears as an integral part of the equipment accessory to automotive service stations and other establishments engaged in the dispensing of motor vehicle fuel or oil, including but not limited to gasoline pumps, oil display racks and portable tire racks.

   V.   “Flag, private” means any flag displaying the name, insignia, logo or emblem of an individual or a profit-making entity.

   W.   “Flag, public” means any flag displaying the name, insignia, emblem or logo of the United States, the State of Iowa, the City or a nonprofit organization or institution.

   X.   “Free standing sign” means a sign which is supported by one or more up-rights or braces which are firmly and permanently anchored in or on the ground and which is not attached to any building or wall.

   Y.   “Going-out-of-business sign” means a sign announcing a sale resulting from the termination of a business on the premises.

   Z.   “Grand opening sign” – see “special event sign.”

   AA.   “Ground sign” – see “free standing sign.”

   BB.   “Hazardous sign” means a sign which, because of its construction or state of disrepair may fall or cause possible injury to passers-by, as determined by the City; a sign which because of its location, color, illumination or animation, interferes with, obstructs the view of or is confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device; or a sign which makes use of the words “stop,” “go slow,” “caution,” “drive in,” “danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a way as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

   CC.   “Identification sign” means a sign displaying the name, address, crest, insignia or trademark, occupation or profession of an occupant of a building or the name of any building on the premises.

   DD.   “Illuminated sign” means any sign in which a source of light is used to make the message readable.  An illuminated sign need not be an electronic sign.

   EE.   “Institutional sign” means a sign which displays the name of a religious institution, school, library, community center, civic, cultural or historic institution, nursing home, hospital or similar institution and the announcement of its services or activities.

   FF.   “Integral sign” means a sign carved into stone, concrete or other building material or made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent type of construction and made a part of the building to which it is attached.

   GG.   “Marquee sign” – see “canopy sign.”

   HH.   “Monument sign” means a sign displaying the name, address, crest, insignia or trademark, occupation or profession of occupants of a building or the name of the building and which is firmly anchored to the ground.  Such a sign does not contain any advertising or promotional information.

   II.   “Nonconforming sign” means a sign other than a prohibited sign, that does not comply with the regulations of the zone in which it is located by reason of these or any other regulations adopted after the erection of the sign.

   JJ.   “Obsolete sign” means a sign that advertises an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted.

   KK.   “Off-premises sign” means a sign which directs attention to a use conducted off the lot on which the sign is located.

   LL.   “On-premises sign” means a sign which has the primary purpose of identifying or directing attention to the lot on which the sign is located.

   MM.   “Painted sign” means a sign painted directly on an exterior surface of a building other than the windows.

   NN.   “Parapet sign” means a facia sign erected on a parapet or a parapet wall.

   OO.   “Permitted sign” means a sign which is allowed in the zone in which it is listed, subject to compliance with the requirements of the sign regulations.

   PP.   “Portable sign” means a sign that is not firmly and permanently anchored or secured to either a building or the ground and is not expressly permitted under these regulations as a temporary sign.

   QQ.   “Political sign” means a temporary sign announcing candidates seeking public office, a political issue or a sign containing other election information, such as “vote today.”  Political signs shall not be construed to be off-premises signs.

   RR.   “Poster” means a temporary sign on a card or sheet of paper, plastic or other similar material intended to advertise or publicize a product or event.

   SS.   “Prohibited sign” means a sign, other than a nonconforming sign, not permitted by this section.

   TT.   “Projecting sign” means a building sign which extends more than one (1) foot out from the wall of the building on which it is mounted.

   UU.   “Provisional sign” means a sign which is permitted in a zone under certain circumstances.

   VV.   “Public art” means any work of art exposed to public view from any street right-of-way which does not contain any advertising, commercial symbolism such as logos and trademarks or any representation of a product.

   WW.   “Public sign” means a sign of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest erected by or upon the order or authorization of the City or other public agency.  Such signs include but are not limited to safety signs, zoning signs, memorial plaques, signs for structures or sites of historical interest and all similar signs.

   XX.   “Real estate sign” means a temporary sign which advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the sign is located, including open house directional signs.

   YY.   “Roof sign” means a sign erected upon or above a roof of a building and affixed to the roof.

   ZZ.   “Seasonal decoration” means a display, which does not constitute a sign, pertaining to recognized national, State or local holidays and observances.

   AAA.   “Sign” means any structure or medium, including its component parts, which is visible to the public from a street or public right-of-way and which is used or intended to be used to direct attention to a business, product, service, subject, idea, premises or thing.  Signs do not include buildings or landscaping.  The term sign includes, but is not limited to, all reading matter, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, inscriptions and patterns, whether affixed to a building or separate from a building.  Public art, seasonal decorations and directional symbols on paved surfaces are not included in this definition.

   BBB.   “Sign face” means the surface of the sign upon which is affixed reading material, letters, numerals, pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, inscriptions and/or patterns.

   CCC.   “Sign wall” means the wall of a building upon which a sign is mounted including elements of the wall or any member or group of members which define the exterior boundaries of the side of the building on which the sign is mounted and which has a slope of 45 degrees or greater with the horizontal plane.

   DDD.   “Special events sign” means a sign announcing grand openings, the Parade of Homes, philanthropic events, events of nonprofit organizations or events of civic interest.

   EEE.   “Spinner” means a device shaped in a form similar to a propeller and designed to rotate in the wind to attract attention to the premises on which it is located.

   FFF.   “Street line” means the line where the public sidewalk begins or private property ends.

   GGG.   “Swinging sign” means a sign which, because of its design, construction, suspension or attachment is free to swing or move noticeably because of pressure from the wind.

   HHH.   “Temporary sign” means a sign intended for a period of display of not more than 30 days, which shall be removed upon completion of the activity or project denoted by the sign.  Such signs may be erected in addition to signs otherwise permitted.

   III.   “Time and temperature sign” means an identification sign which shows the time and/or temperature.

   JJJ.   “Use,” for the purpose of the sign regulations, means a principal use as defined in this chapter.

   KKK.   “Wall sign” – see “sign wall.”

   LLL.   “Window sign” means a building sign permanently affixed to a window, embedded in a window or hanging adjacent to a window and obviously intended to be viewed through the window by the public.  Merchandise or product displays, posters, signs painted on windows and temporary signs are not included in this definition.

   MMM.   “Yard sale sign” means a temporary sign advertising a yard sale or a garage sale.

3.   Signs Permitted in all Zones and Not Requiring a Permit.  The following signs may be erected in addition to the signage permitted in each zone without obtaining a permit.  These signs shall not be applied toward the maximum sign allowance specified in the zones, except as otherwise indicated in this subsection.

   A.   Construction Signs.  Non-illuminated construction signs not to exceed a total of 64 square feet or 32 square feet per sign face shall be permitted for each lot.  Such signs shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet in residential zones or 10 feet in other zones nor be closer than five (5) feet to any property line unless located on the wall of a building, fence or protective barricade surrounding the construction.  Construction signs shall be removed prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.

   B.   Filling station signs.

   C.   Identification signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.

   D.   Informational Window Signs.  Window signs displaying information about the operation of the business, including but not limited to days and hours of operation, telephone number and credit cards or bank cards accepted.

   E.   Public flags and one (1) private flag displayed in conjunction with public flags.

   F.   Public signs.

   G.   Real Estate Signs.  One (1) non-illuminated real estate sign not to exceed eight (8) square feet or four (4) square feet per sign face in residential zones or 64 square feet (32 square feet per sign face) in other zones, shall be permitted on each lot.  Such signs shall not exceed a height of five (5) feet in residential zones or 10 feet in other zones nor be closer than five (5) feet to any property line unless located on the wall of a building or fence.  Such signs shall be removed within 48 hours after the sale of the property.

   H.   Temporary Signs.  The signs listed are temporary signs, the use of which is limited to a maximum of 30 days and are subject to the regulations listed below.

      (1)   Political Signs.  Political signs shall be subject to the following requirements:

(a)   In residential zones, non-illuminated political signs, none of which shall exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, may be displayed on each premises.

(b)   In other zones, political signs shall conform to the applicable regulations for permitted signs in the zone.

      (2)   Posters and other nonpermanent signs in windows.

      (3)   Yard sale signs.

4.   Signs Permitted in All Zones Requiring a Permit.  The following signs may be erected and shall comply with the requirements of subsection 165.35(21).  These signs shall be applied toward the maximum signage allowance specified in each zone, except as otherwise indicated in this subsection.

   A.   Changeable Copy Signs.  Such signs shall be erected in accordance with the dimensional requirements of the zone in which the sign is located.

   B.   Development Signs.  One (1) monument sign in ID and R Zones and one (1) monument sign or free-standing sign in other zones shall be permitted at each street entrance to a residential or nonresidential development or a subdivision, provided the following requirements are met:

      (1)   In ID and R Zones, the sign shall not exceed a total area of 64 square feet, 32 square feet per sign face nor a height of five (5) feet.

      (2)   In other zones, the sign shall not exceed the size and height limitations for the same type of sign, i.e., free-standing or monument sign, permitted in the zone and for the lot on which the sign is located.

   C.   Directional Signs.  Such signs shall not exceed a total of four (4) square feet or two (2) square feet per face in R Zones or a total of six (6) square feet or three (3) square feet per face in all other zones.

   D.   Directory signs.

   E.   Drive-Through Restaurant Menu Signs.  The total square footage of these signs may not exceed ten (10) square feet and shall be in addition to the signs permitted in the zone and shall not be applied toward the maximum signage allowance.

   F.   Going-Out-of-Business Signs.  These signs shall be non-illuminated and not exceed 100 square feet.  A going-out-of-business sign may be displayed for up to 60 days.  The sign permit shall be automatically renewed with the renewal of a going-out-of-business license so long as the total time period in which the sign is displayed does not exceed 90 days.  The use of going-out-of-business signs is restricted to one (1) time in a 12-month period for a single business.  Going-out-of-business signs shall not be applied toward the maximum signage allowance specified in each zone.

   G.   Institutional Signs.  One (1) institutional sign, not to exceed a total of 48 square feet or 24 square feet per sign face shall be permitted for each institution.  No such sign shall exceed a height of five (5) feet above grade.

   H.   Integral Signs.  Such signs existing prior to the adoption of these regulations shall not be applied toward the maximum sign allowance of the building to which they are attached.

   I.   Real Estate Signs.  One (1) non-illuminated monument real estate sign not to exceed a total of 64 square feet or 32 square feet per sign face shall be permitted per subdivision or development of greater than two (2) acres in size.  Such signs shall not exceed a height of 10 feet and shall be removed upon the sale or lease of 50 percent of the lots or units in the subdivision or development.  These signs shall not be applied toward the maximum signage allowance specified in each zone.  Real estate signs shall not be considered off-premises signs.

   J.   Off-Premises Signs:

      (1)   Off-premises signs shall not be permitted in R, CO-1, CN-1, CB-1 and OBP Zones.  Off-premises signs may be billboard signs or any other type of sign allowed in the zone in which the sign is located.

      (2)   Not more than one off-premises sign may be erected or maintained per lot.  Two or more uses may erect a common off-premises directional sign.  No off-premises sign shall be located closer than 300 feet to another off-premises sign.

      (3)   No off-premises sign shall be located within 120 feet of a residential zone, a public park, public or parochial school, religious institution, cemetery, public museum or the administrative or judicial offices of City, County, State or Federal governments.

      (4)   An off-premises sign shall be permitted in addition to the on-premises signage permitted on a lot.  The area of the off-premises sign shall be deducted from the total sign area allowed for the same type of on-premises signage.

      (5)   Off-premises billboard signs shall not exceed a height of 25 feet.

      (6)   Off-premises billboard signs shall be permitted an area of 144 square feet or 72 square feet per sign face.  Billboard signs shall not be applied toward the maximum signage allowance permitted on a lot.

      (7)   Off-premises signs shall comply with all other sign requirements of the zone in which they are located.

   K.   Special Event Signs.  One (1) non-illuminated sign not to exceed 100 square feet is permitted on a lot.  The use of a special events sign is restricted to no more than four (4) times in a 12-month period and for a single duration of no more than 30 days.  Special events signs may include banners but shall not include any sign prohibited by the regulations in subsection 5 of this section.  Special events signs shall not be applied toward the maximum signage allowance specified in each zone.

5.   Prohibited Signs.  The following signs are specifically prohibited in all zones:

   A.   Animated signs, excluding barber pole signs that do not exceed three (3) feet in height and nine (9) inches in diameter and excluding the time and temperature signs.

   B.   Balloons.

   C.   Hazardous signs.

   D.   Obsolete signs.

   E.   Portable signs, including signs on wheels, trailers and truck beds and excluding those temporary signs expressly permitted herein.

   F.   Roof signs.

   G.   Search lights.

   H.   Spinners or other similar devices.

   I.   Swinging signs (except those swinging signs that do not exceed 2 square feet).

6.   ID, R and OPDH Zone Regulations.

   A.   Permitted Signs:

      (1)   Principal uses other than single-family dwellings and duplexes shall be permitted one identification facia, awning or monument sign.

      (2)   Nonresidential uses in the OBP Zone shall be required to comply with the sign regulations of the CO-1 and CN-1 Zones.

      (3)   Residential uses in the OPDH Zone shall be permitted signage in accordance with the requirements of the underlying zone.  Commercial uses approved as part of a planned development shall comply with the signage requirements of the CO-1 and CN-1 Zones.

   B.   Provisional Signs.  Home occupations allowed in accordance with Section 165.31(1)(D) shall be permitted one (1) non-illuminated swinging, facia or window sign not to exceed two (2) square feet.

   C.   Dimensional Requirements.

      (1)   Sign:  Facia (in ID-RS, RR-1, RS-5, RS-8, RFBH, RS-12)

Maximum Area:   4 square feet

Maximum Height:   top of first story

      (2)   Sign:  Facia (in ID-RM, RM-12, RM-20 and RM-44 Zones)

Maximum Area:   12 square feet

Maximum Height:   top of first story

      (3)   Sign:  Monument (in ID-RS, RR-1, RS-5, RS-8, RFBH and RS-12)

Maximum Area:   24 square feet or 12 square feet per sign face

Maximum Height:   5 feet

      (4)   Sign:  Monument (in ID-RM, RM-12, RM-20, RM-44 Zones)

Maximum Area:   48 square feet, or 24 square feet per sign face

Maximum Height:   5 feet

      (5)   Sign:  Awning (in ID-RM, RM-12, Rm-20 and RM-44 Zones)

Maximum Area:   25% of the surface of the awning or 12 square feet, whichever is less

Maximum Height:   top of first story

7.   CO-1 and CN-1 Zone Regulations:

   A.   Permitted Signs:

      (1)   Signage for residential uses shall comply with the requirements for residential uses in the RM Zones (paragraph (6)(C) in this section).

      (2)   Facia signs.

      (3)   Canopy signs.

      (4)   Monument signs.

      (5)   Awning signs.

      (6)   Window signs.

   B.   Provisional Signs:

      (1)   When two (2) or more uses are located on a lot, a common monument sign shall be permitted.  Said sign shall not exceed the lessor of two (2) square feet per lineal foot of lot frontage or 100 square feet (50 square feet per sign face).

      (2)   Barber pole signs provided they do not exceed three (3) feet in length and nine (9) inches in diameter.

      (3)   Time and temperature signs which do not exceed 50 square feet in area or 25 square feet per face, do not project more than six (6) feet into the public right-of-way, and are not less than 10 feet above grade.

   C.   Dimensional Requirements:  Uses in this zone shall be allowed a maximum building sign area per sign wall equal to 15% of the sign wall on which the sign is to be mounted.  Individual signage allowances are as follows:

      (1)   Sign:  Facia

Maximum Area:   15% of the sign wall area

Maximum Height:   None

      (2)   Sign:  Canopy

Maximum Area:   8 square feet

Maximum Height:   top of first story

      (3)   Sign:  Awning

Maximum Area:   25% of the surface of the awning

Maximum Height:   top of first story

      (4)   Sign:  Window

Maximum Area:   25% of the area of the window

Maximum Height:   None

      (5)   Sign:  Monument

Maximum Area:   2 square feet per foot of lot frontage, not to exceed a total of 100 square feet or 50 square feet per sign face

Maximum Height:   5 feet

8.   CH-1, CC-2 and CI-1 Zone Regulations:

   A.   Permitted Signs:

      (1)   Signage for residential uses shall comply with the sign requirements for residential uses in the RM Zones (paragraph (6)(C) of this section).

      (2)   Facia signs.

      (3)   Only one (1) of the following types of signs:

(a)   Monument sign

(b)   Free-standing sign

      (4)   Canopy signs.

      (5)   Awning signs.

      (6)   Window signs.

   B.   Provisional Signs:

      (1)   When two (2) or more uses are located on a lot, a common monument or free-standing sign may be erected.  The maximum area of the common sign may be 50% larger than the area of the maximum individual sign allowed.

      (2)   Two free-standing or monument signs or one free-standing sign and one monument sign are permitted provided that frontage along a single lot is not less than 160 feet.  The distance between two free-standing signs shall be no less than 150 feet as measured along the frontage of a single lot.  For interior lots, the distance between two free-standing signs shall be no less than 150 feet.

      (3)   In the CC-2 Zone, barber pole signs are permitted provided they do not exceed three (3) feet in length and nine (9) inches in diameter.

      (4)   Time and temperature signs which do not exceed 50 square feet in area or 25 square feet per sign face, do not project more than six (6) feet into the public right-of-way, and are not less than 10 feet above grade.

   C.   Dimensional Requirements.  Uses in this zone shall be allowed a maximum building sign area per sign wall equal to 15 percent of the sign wall on which the sign is located.  Individual signage allowances are as follows:

      (1)   Sign:  Facia

Maximum Area:   15% of the sign wall area

Maximum Height:   None

      (2)   Sign:  Monument

Maximum Area:   2 square feet per lineal foot of lot frontage, not to exceed 100 square feet or 50 square feet per sign face

Maximum Height:   5 feet

      (3)   Sign:  Free-Standing

Maximum Area:   2 square feet per lineal foot of lot frontage, not to exceed 250 square feet or 125 square feet per sign face; except that, in the CH-1 Zone, property within 1,000 feet of an interstate highway right-of-way may have 1 free-standing sign with a maximum sign area of 500 square feet or 250 square feet per sign face, regardless of lot frontage.

Maximum Height:   25 feet, except that, in the CH-1 Zone, property within 1,000 feet of an interstate highway right-of-way may have 1 free-standing sign with a maximum height not to exceed 65 feet.

      (4)   Sign:  Canopy

Maximum Area:   12 square feet

Maximum Height:   top of the first story

      (5)   Sign:  Awning

Maximum Area:   25% of the surface of the awning

Maximum Height:   top of the first story

      (6)   Sign:  Window

Maximum Area:   25% of the area of the window

Maximum Height:   None

9.   CB-1 Zone Regulations.

   A.   Permitted Signs:

      (1)   Signage for residential uses shall comply with the sign requirements for residential uses in the RM Zones (paragraph (6)(C) of this section).

      (2)   Facia signs.

      (3)   Canopy signs.

      (4)   Awning signs.

      (5)   Window signs.

      (6)   One monument sign identifying not more than four (4) business names.

   B.   Provisional Signs:

      (1)   When two (2) or more uses are located on a lot, a common monument sign shall be permitted.  The area of such sign shall not exceed a total of 24 square feet or 12 square feet per sign face.

      (2)   Barber pole signs, provided they do not exceed three (3) feet in length and nine (9) inches in diameter.

      (3)   Time and temperature signs which do not exceed 50 square feet in area or 25 square feet per sign face, do not project more than six (6) feet into the public right-of-way and are not less than ten (10) feet above grade.

   C.   Dimensional Requirements.  Uses in this zone shall be allowed a maximum building sign area per sign wall equal to 15 percent of the sign wall on which the sign is located.  Individual signage allowances are as follows:

      (1)   Sign:  Facia

Maximum Area:   15% of the sign wall area

Maximum Height:   None

      (2)   Sign:  Canopy

Maximum Area:   12 square feet

Maximum Height:   top of first story

      (3)   Sign:  Awning

Maximum Area:   25% of the surface of the awning

Maximum Height:   top of first story

      (4)   Sign:  Window

Maximum Area:   25% of the area of the window

Maximum Height:   None

      (5)   Sign:  Monument

Maximum Area and Maximum Height:  The maximum sign area (no sign face may exceed ½ the maximum allowable area) and height above grade shall not exceed the areas and heights shown below, based upon the distance between the closest part of the sign and the closest property/right-of-way line:

 

 

10.   I-1, I-2 and OBP Zone Regulations:

   A.   Permitted Signs:

      (1)   Facia signs.

      (2)   Only one (1) of the following signs:

(a)   Identification monument sign.

(b)   Identification free-standing sign.

      (3)   Window signs.

   B.   Provisional Signs.

      (1)   When two (2) or more uses are located on a lot, a common monument or free-standing sign may be erected.  The maximum area of the common sign may be 50 percent larger than the area of the maximum individual sign allowed.

      (2)   In the I-1 and I-2 Zones, two free-standing or monument signs or one free-standing sign and one monument sign are permitted provided that frontage along a single lot is not less than 160 feet.  The distance between two free-standing signs shall be no less than 150 feet as measured along the frontage of a single lot.

   C.   Dimensional Requirements.  Uses in this zone shall be allowed a maximum building sign area per sign wall equal to 15 percent of the sign wall on which the sign is to be located.  Individual signage allowances area as follows:

      (1)   Sign:  Facia

Maximum Area:   15% of the sign wall area

Maximum Height:   None

      (2)   Sign:  Monument

Maximum Area:   2 square feet per lineal foot of lot frontage, not to exceed 150 square feet or 75 square feet per sign face.

Maximum Height:   5 feet

      (3)   Sign:  Free-Standing

Maximum Area:   1 square foot per lineal foot of lot frontage not to exceed 100 square feet or 50 square feet per sign face.

Maximum Height:   25 feet

      (4)   Sign:  Window

Maximum Area:   25% of the area of the window where it is mounted.

Maximum Height:   None

11.   Additional Dimensional Requirements.

   A.   Maximum Sign Area.  For free-standing and monument signs, the individual signage allowance includes the total area of all sign faces associated with that sign and no sign face shall exceed one-half of the allowed sign area.  For building signs, the maximum building sign area shall represent the total area of all building signs added together.  The building sign area may be divided up among any of the building signs permitted in the zone in which the use is located, provided that each individual sign does not exceed the maximum size limits established for that zone.  The maximum number of signs and the maximum sign areas, as provided herein, shall be applied on a per lot basis.

   B.   Sign Wall Area.  Where size of a sign is regulated by the sign wall area, the sign wall area shall be the total area of the wall on which the sign is to be mounted.

   C.   Sign Area Determination.  The area of each sign, regardless of shape, shall be computed by determining the area of a triangle, rectangle or circle which completely encloses the outer perimeter of the sign face, or which completely encloses the whole group of characters or words in the case of a sign composed of characters or words attached directly to a building or an appurtenance to a building.  When multiple sign faces are attached to a single sign support and face the same direction, the faces and any area between them shall be viewed as one sign face and shall be measured from the extremities of the sign face.

   D.   Sign Height Determination.  The maximum height of a sign shall be the measurement from grade to the highest point on the sign.  In the case where a minimum height is established, the minimum height shall be measured from grade to the lowest point on the sign.

   E.   Minimum Sign Height.  A canopy sign or free-standing sign shall not be less than ten (10) feet above grade.

12.   Additional Location Requirements.

   A.   Except for those zones not requiring a minimum front yard, no billboard, canopy, free-standing or monument sign or sign support shall be located within a triangular area at street intersections, where the triangle is measured from the intersection of curb lines and its sides are 50 feet in length along major thoroughfares and 30 feet in length along local streets.  Signs may project into this area at 10 or more feet above grade.

   B.   No part of a billboard, canopy, free-standing or monument sign or sign support shall be located within five (5) feet of any lot line except that signs may be closer than five (5) feet at ten feet or more above grade, provided that no part of the sign or sign support overhangs any property lines.

   C.   No sign shall obstruct ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape.  No sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

   D.   Building signs may be located on any building wall.  However, no single sign wall may be covered by more than 15 percent.

13.   Additional Requirements for Signs Adjacent to Residential Zones.

   A.   Signage and area requirements of the CO-1 and CN-1 zones shall apply to signs which are within 100 feet of a residential zone.

   B.   Except for facia signs, no sign shall be located in a required front yard within 50 feet of a residential zone.

   C.   Facia signs located within 50 feet of a residential zone on the same side of the street shall not be placed on the wall of the building facing the residential zone.

14.   Additional Requirements for Illuminated Signs.  Illuminated signs shall conform to the following requirements:

   A.   Except for signs in the ID and residential zones and special event signs, all permitted signs may be internally or externally illuminated.  Those signs permitted in the ID and R Zones and special event signs may only be externally illuminated with white light.

   B.   Illumination through the use of exposed lamps and/or inert gas tubes shall be allowed provided the exposed lamp does not exceed 11 watts or that an inert gas tube does not draw more than 60 milliamperes.  When inside frosted lamps or exposed lamps with a diffusing screen are used, no lamp shall exceed 25 watts.

   C.   Artificial light sources used to illuminate a sign face shall not be visible from any street right-of-way.

   D.   Illuminated signs shall comply with the provisions of subsection 23 of this section.

15.   Additional Construction Requirement.  All signs except those temporary signs enumerated in paragraph (3)(H) of this section shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of area and loads.

16.   Additional Maintenance Requirement.  All signs shall be maintained in such a manner as to avoid becoming a hazardous sign.

17.   Additional Requirements for Removal.  In accordance with the following procedure, the Building Official shall be authorized to require the removal of any illegal or prohibited sign.

   A.   Before taking action to require the removal of any illegal or prohibited sign, the Building Official shall provide written notice to the owner or operator of the business to which the sign relates.

   B.   The notice shall specify that the illegal or prohibited sign shall be removed or brought into compliance with this section within a reasonable time of such notice.

   C.   If the sign is not removed or repaired, as the case may be, within the time allowed, the Building Official is hereby authorized to have the sign removed and be used as evidence and assess the costs of removal against the property for collection in the same manner as a property tax.

18.   Additional Requirements for Nonconforming Signs.  It is the intent of these regulations that all non-conforming signs be eliminated as set forth below.

   A.   All signs which are or become nonconforming by adoption of these regulations shall be permitted to remain as nonconforming signs.

   B.   Owners of nonconforming signs shall be required to comply with the maintenance provisions of subsection 16 of this section.  Any change or alteration to a nonconforming sign shall require compliance with the provisions of this section.

19.   Special Sign Provisions.  A nonconforming use shall be permitted to have the same amount and type of signage as would be allowed for such use in the most restrictive zone in which such use is allowed.

20.   Sign License Required.

   A.   Except for those signs not requiring a permit, as listed in subsection 3 of this section, it is unlawful for any person to erect, alter, move, improve, remove or convert any sign without having an annual sign erector’s license issued by the City.  A one-time sign erector’s license shall be available to a tenant or owner of a building to permit such person to install his/her own sign.

   B.   The license to erect, alter, move, improve, remove or convert any sign as required herein shall be known as a sign erector’s license and shall be issued by the City to the person desiring to perform the work indicated above.  No such license shall be issued to any person until such person shall have paid to the City a license fee.  Before any license is issued hereunder, the applicant shall obtain and file with the Clerk a public liability insurance policy, insuring against any loss that the City or any person may sustain arising out of or in connection with the services performed by the sign erector.  The insurance coverage shall include:

Public Liability:         $250,000 per person; $500,000 per accident;

Motor Vehicle Bodily Injury   same as above;

Property Damage      $100,000 per accident.

The policy shall include a provision that it may not be canceled except after thirty (30) days’ notice to the City Clerk.

   C.   Before a license is issued, the applicant shall also file with the Clerk a surety bond in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5000.00), to remain on deposit for one year after the expiration of the license, which bond shall be used to insure the City of the collection of fees and the rectification of defective work.

   D.   The fee for a sign erector’s license is twenty-five dollars ($25.00).  The term of each license shall be from July 1 through June 30 each year.  A one-time sign erector’s license shall be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.

   E.   The Building Official shall be responsible for enforcement of these provisions and shall be empowered to suspend or revoke a sign erector’s license for a violation of the sign regulations or if the license was obtained by fraud, or if the licensee allows any person not in his/her employ without a valid erector’s license to do or cause to be done any work requiring a license.  A person aggrieved by the revocation, suspension or denial of a license may appeal said action to the Board of Adjustment.

   F.   If a license is revoked for any reason, another erector’s license shall not be issued to such person for twelve (12) months after revocation.

21.   Sign Permit Required.

   A.   No sign requiring a permit shall be erected, altered, moved, improved, or converted without first obtaining a sign permit from the Building Official and making payment of the required permit fee.  In addition, all illuminated signs shall be subject to the provisions of the Electrical Code and the permit fees required thereunder.

   B.   A separate permit shall be obtained for each sign.

   C.   Only a person holding a valid sign erector’s license issued by the City may obtain a permit to perform work regulated by this section.

22.   Permit Fees.  Every applicant, before being issued a sign permit, shall pay to the City a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) permit fee.

23.   Permits for Illuminated Signs.  The application for a sign permit in which electrical wiring and connections are to be used shall be submitted prior to issuance of the sign permit.  The Building Official shall examine the plans and specifications for all wiring and connections to determine if they comply with the Electrical Code.

24.   Applications.  Application for a sign permit shall be made upon a form provided by the Building Official and shall contain and have attached thereto a plot plan with the following information:

   A.   Name, address, telephone number, and sign erector’s license number of the applicant.

   B.   Location of the sign and of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be attached or erected.

   C.   Two (2) blueprints or drawings of the plans and specifications of the sign with dimensions, notation of materials, the type of construction, and method of attachment to the ground or building.

   D.   Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing the structure is designed in accordance with Chapter 23 of the Uniform Building Code.

   E.   An application for an electrical permit required for an illuminated sign.

   F.   Such other information as may be required by the Building Official.

25.   Permit Issued.  It shall be the duty of the Building Official, upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, to examine such application; and if the proposed sign is in compliance with the requirements of these regulations and all other laws and ordinances of the City, the sign permit shall then be issued.

26.   Permit Expiration.  If the work authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within six (6) months after date of issuance, said permit shall become null and void.